Recreational Vans
A mid roof camper van uses a medium height body that offers partial or full standing room for many travelers while keeping exterior height manageable for urban routes and trailhead access. On common platforms, interior standing height ranges roughly from about 66 to 72 inches depending on floor build, insulation, and ceiling finish. The exterior height often remains under typical garage limits posted around seven feet to eight feet two inches when built with low profile components. This format aims for the sweet spot between daily driver practicality and true travel comfort. The result is a rig that feels nimble in the city yet capable on long weekends and extended trips.
Actual headroom depends on the chassis and the build. A Ford Transit medium roof can provide near standing height for many adults once the floor and ceiling are finished, while a Sprinter standard roof is slightly lower inside but still workable with thoughtful design. The build decisions that impact interior height include subfloor thickness, sound deadening layers, insulation type, and ceiling cladding. Low profile roof fans and slim lighting help preserve inches where it matters. Test standing positions at multiple spots in the van, not just in the center aisle, to confirm comfort while cooking, changing, and moving gear.
Mid roof vans carry less vertical volume than high roof models, so organizing vertical space is essential. Use the volume under the bed for bikes and bins, and keep heavy items like batteries and water low and near the axle line to maintain stable handling. Roof loads should be kept modest to reduce body roll and wind resistance. A single roof fan, an efficient solar array sized to your needs, and a purposeful roof rack can keep the package balanced. Smart packaging preserves driving dynamics, braking, and tire life.
Mainstream choices include Transit medium roof with options for all wheel drive and multiple wheelbases, and Sprinter standard roof with diesel or gas depending on model year and market. Each platform varies in interior height, roof curvature, and factory wiring, which influences cabinet fit, window placement, and roof accessory mounting. Wheelbase length changes interior flow and parking manners, so check your typical street parking and driveway angles before choosing. The best chassis is the one that matches your terrain, service network access, and your preferred driving feel.
The mid roof camper van appeals to drivers who want to slip into city garages, ferry terminals, and national park parking without stress. Lower overall height helps in wind and on twisty roads. It also reduces the step-in height, which matters when loading bikes or a dog that rides in back. Many owners report better fuel efficiency than similar high roof builds, especially when paired with lighter cabinetry and restrained roof gear. Stealth camping is also easier with a profile that blends with work vans and family vehicles.
Trade offs include reduced overhead cabinet capacity and tighter shower options. Tall travelers might need a lowered walkway, a recessed floor pan in the galley zone, or a flexible posture strategy while changing. Roof solar capacity can be lower, so electrical systems should be efficient, with attention to alternator charging and battery chemistry. Ventilation must be dialed since smaller roof real estate means every opening counts.
Mid roof camper van design rewards precision. Keep pathways open, gear reachable, and systems compact. Three proven interior patterns rise to the top for this form factor.
An east west bed saves aisle length if your shoulder width allows sleep across the van. Flare panels or shaped bed boxes can add crucial inches at the torso. A north south bed keeps sleep comfort consistent for taller folks but takes more floor space. In either case, the garage under the bed stores bikes, recovery gear, and totes. A sliding tray helps extract heavy items without awkward bending.
A single side galley with a drawer fridge and portable induction keeps cooking low profile and energy efficient. Place the water tank over the axle and use a compact hydronic or diesel heater to heat cabin and water with minimal space. One roof fan paired with a sliding door bug screen can move air effectively. Window placement should match your cooking and sleeping zones so you can vent steam and reduce condensation, especially in shoulder seasons.
A swivel cab transforms the front row into a lounge. For bathing, consider a portable shower pan with a quick setup curtain rather than a full wet bath, freeing volume for gear. Overhead cabinets should be shallow and continuous to avoid head bumps. Use L track or modular rails on the walls to clip pouches, skis, or a fold down table. Soft close hardware and robust attachment points keep noise down and components secure on rough roads.
Power planning starts with honest consumption math. With limited roof space for solar, a high output alternator or DC to DC charger becomes the backbone of the system, topping up lithium batteries while you drive. Efficient loads like a drawer fridge, induction cooktop, and LED lighting make smaller banks perform like larger ones. Insulation should combine thermal and acoustic properties, and a dedicated vapor strategy helps manage moisture in smaller interior volumes. For hot climates, a 12 volt air conditioner can work if battery size and charging support it, though a mid roof layout often benefits from shade strategy and disciplined ventilation to reduce runtime.
Keep builds light but strong. Use aluminum framing or high grade plywood where it makes sense, and distribute fasteners into structural ribs. Fire safety deserves attention with CO and smoke detection, proper wire sizing, fused circuits, and a clean service loop for every appliance. Plan service access to pumps, filters, and breakers so a trail fix does not become a teardown. On the maintenance side, seal penetrations carefully, torque roof rack fasteners after shakedown miles, and recheck cabinet attachments seasonally.
When you are ready to translate this blueprint into a real rig, our team builds mid roof camper vans that preserve standing comfort while keeping exterior height friendly to garages and mountain towns. We focus on solid mounting, quiet interiors, and systems that perform in varied weather. Clients fly into Northwest Arkansas, walk through their completed van at our Adventure Point space, and head into the Ozarks for a proper shakedown. We handle complete custom builds and partial upfits to match your goals and timeline.
If you want to see models and options that reflect this format, browse our Recreational vans at OZK. If you already have a chassis and a vision for your layout, explore how we Custom build a van around your height, gear, and routes. If financing or book value platforms fit your plan, review our Mainstream vans we upfit to understand paths into ownership.
We build in Fayetteville, Arkansas, centrally located for convenient pickup and a scenic first drive home. Every handoff includes a full systems walkthrough at Adventure Point so you leave confident in power, water, and climate controls. Bring the bikes or boards and we will dial the garage for your kit.
Tell us how tall you are, what you carry, and where you park. We will shape a mid roof camper van that fits your height, your trails, and your city life, without the extra inches you do not need. Reach out today to start a plan that becomes a van you love to drive and live in.
At the bottom of this page you will find our lead form. Share your timeline and any chassis details, and we will reply with next steps for design and production.
Ready to turn the mid roof concept into your real world rig? Tell us how you travel and we will design, build, and hand off a van that fits your height, gear, and routes. Start a custom plan now and lock in your build slot with OZK Customs.
Ready to turn the mid roof concept into your real world rig? Tell us how you travel and we will design, build, and hand off a van that fits your height, gear, and routes. Start a custom plan now and lock in your build slot with OZK Customs.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com